Crosswalk.com aims to offer the most compelling biblically-based content to Christians on their walk with Jesus. Crosswalk.com is your online destination for all areas of Christian Living – faith, family, fun, and community. Each category is further divided into areas important to you and your Christian faith including Bible study, daily devotions, marriage, parenting, movie reviews, music, news, and more.

Encouragement for Today - Jan. 26, 2007

Philippians 4:7-9, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)

Devotion:

It sounds so dream-like to dress your little darlings in clothes that match, hear them say that you are the best mom in the world, bake cookies together in the afternoon, and relish their sweet spirits while listening to their bedtime prayers. But woven all around the ideal moments are whiney voices, childish attitudes, sibling fights, strong-wills, messy accidents, snotty noses, stained clothes, and strained nerves. It all comes down to choosing what to focus on, for those things will become what’s most magnified.

Re-read today’s key verse above. Let’s take a look at each section and bring it home in everyday motherhood terms:

Whatever is true:It is a blessing to be a mom. Many women have empty arms and would do anything to have children. There are hard days, but they won’t last forever and God will fill the gaps as we walk in obedience with Him.

Whatever is noble:A noble mom recognizes that children are taught most effectively by example. They may remember what you say momentarily, but they remember what they see for a lifetime.

Whatever is right:A Christian’s pursuit is to exemplify Christ-likeness. This involves making right choices that honor God. View each choice as one step toward your ultimate destination.

Whatever is pure:Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” If I want to see God in my home, I must seek to purify my heart. If I want to see God in my marriage, I must seek to purify my heart. If I want to see God in my children’s lives, I must seek to purify my heart. If I want to see God in my everyday life, I must seek to purify my heart.

Whatever is lovely:If someone were to ask me about being a mom, what is the look that would cross my face? Is my facial expression lovely? Am I smiling, or scowling? What would my kids say is my view of motherhood?

Whatever is admirable:The investment of time and energy you put into being a mom is admirable. The sacrifices you make are admirable. The love you have for your children is admirable. Nurturing, protecting, and caring for them is admirable. While the world may not esteem you, and while your kids may not rise up to call you blessed today, God notices, and He says you are admirable.

If anything is excellent or praiseworthy:The calling of being a mom is reason for great celebration and joyous praise to the Lord. You are participating in shaping a life for eternity. Even if you’ve struggled, choose to pursue excellence from this day forward. Praise God for second chances and mercies that are new every morning.

Dear Lord, thank You for the reminder that whatever I choose to focus on will be magnified in my sight. Help me to focus on You today, and the blessings You have placed in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Teach your children through your example of choosing to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.

Reflections:

Are you being robbed of the joys of motherhood today because of what you are focusing on? I often find that even when my children anger me to no end, if I choose to focus on the lovely, the excellent and praiseworthy, and the pure things surrounding the situation, I frequently have the opportunity to make them into teachable moments. It then allows me to look back at the situation with no regrets.

Power Verses:

Psalm 4:6-7, “Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.” (NIV)

Romans 13:14, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (NIV)

P.S. We wanted to let you know thatLysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, will be onthe Oprah Winfrey TV show this Monday, January 29thto share the amazing story of adopting her two sons from war-torn Liberia, Africa.

Please join us as we pray that Oprah and her millions of viewers willsee God’s hand in Lysa’s story; that seeds will be planted and His mighty Kingdom will increase; and that, above all, God will be glorified!

If you would like more information on adopting children in Africa, please visitwww.acfinet.org. Or, if you are interested in helping children in Africa through sponsorship, Proverbs 31 Ministries has partnered with Compassion International and supports their humanitarian efforts in Africa and other areas of the world. For more information on sponsorship, visitCompassion International.